Rock history reduced to rubble: Young brothers’ childhood home demolished

Despite being included on Australia’s National Trust Register of Historic Houses, the historic Sydney home where AC/DC‘s Angus and Malcolm Young were raised has been demolished. When George Young’s band, The Easybeats, released their first album, “Easy”, in 1965, the Young family moved into the house at 4 Burleigh Street in the Sydney suburb of Burwood. The address, which was designated to the National Trust Register of Historic Houses in 2013, is where AC/DC was founded in 1973. The demolition business claims that they were not aware of the site’s historic status when they demolished it before Christmas to make room for a $28.75 million residential development.

We regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us. Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us. We are genuinely sorry for this oversight. On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret … we now recognise how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide. We feel a strong responsibility to honour AC/DC’s legacy and to make amends to all the fans who hold this band in such high regard. While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story. To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right. Burwood Square Pty Ltd General Manager Leon Kmita

Using materials saved from the destruction, the developers have vowed to build a cafe or bar on the property so that fans can “gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.” In early 2023, Burwood Square paid $5.8 million to acquire the property. Previously selling for $962,500 in late 2011, the three-bedroom house on a 260m² property was transformed into a medical practice.

As it is not heritage listed or protected under local or state legislation, and because The National Trust is a community-based, non-government organisation, with no statutory authority, the property does not have enforceable protections. Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family and the area’s rich musical heritage. Local council